September 19, 2022
The national Animal Welfare Task Group (ATWG) is seeking the views of horse owners, livestock transporters and other interested stakeholders on proposed changes to the national standards for equine transport on land.
The consultation is being co-ordinated by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Feedback received during the consultation period will be considered before final policy recommendations are put to the Federal Government via the ATWG and the Agriculture Ministers’ Forum.
Stakeholders have been strongly encouraged to have their say before midnight on Friday, October 28.
A consultation regulation impact statement has listed three policy options for stakeholder feedback:
- Option 1 – Do nothing (maintain the status quo). Current standards and guidelines would be maintained without any changes, including without any additional education or engagement.
- Option 2 – Enhance the existing non-mandatory guidelines (non-regulatory approach). Current standards would be retained with new non-mandatory guidelines. This option would encourage practice above current minimum requirements. Education and promotion of the guidelines by government would be included.
- Option 3 – Regulatory approach. This option would result in amendments to the current standards and guidelines. Revised and new standards would be adopted in State and Territory animal welfare legislation. Education and promotion of the standards and guidelines by government would be included.
More information is available online
